Apple has refreshed its most popular laptop: the 2026 MacBook Air comes with an M5 chip, double the storage (512GB), and “improved wireless connectivity.” The M5 chip sports a faster CPU and GPU, making it more capable of handling tasks like video editing and AI. The extra storage ought to appeal to anyone running out of space on their current machine, and it can be upgraded to up to 4TB. It starts at $1099 (at Best Buy it comes with a free $50 gift card) and is available for preorder now. It’s out March 11.
Preoder MacBook Air with M5 Chip (2026)
Get it at AmazonGet it at AppleGet it at Best Buy (free $50 gift card)
As with previous models, MacBook Air with M5 is available in 13” and 15” versions. It comes in all the same colors as last year’s model: sky blue, silver, starlight (light gold), and midnight.
MacBook Air with M5 is meant to be easy to carry around with you. It weighs 2.7 pounds and is half an inch thick. Apple says the battery lasts up to 18 hours on a charge, so you can work all day without worrying about plugging it in. It has Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, which provides Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for better wireless connectivity.
In other words, it’s a spec bump – evolutionary, not revolutionary. But I love a good spec bump. Iterative improvements compound over time. And since most people don’t replace their laptop every year, this is undoubtedly a wise purchase if your current machine is showing its age.
My M1 MacBook Air from 2020, for instance, is starting to slow down during my day-to-day work, so I’m going to upgrade to this M5 model myself. Even if it’s not a huge leap over last year’s M4-powered MacBook Air, it’s certainly a big step up over my six-year-old laptop.
You can hop over to Apple’s announcement for the full rundown on the MacBook Air with M5 chip.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.
